An explosion occurred at a Texas chemical plant early Wednesday morning, leaving three people injured.
The TPC plant in Port Neches near the Louisiana border erupted into flames around 1 a.m. local time. The incident resulted in injuries to two employees and one contractor at the site. They were transported to hospitals for treatment, according to a TPC press release.
County Judge Jeff Branick said that one worker suffered burns, while another fractured their wrist and the third fractured their leg, according to KFDM in Beaumont, Texas.
While emergency responses are still trying to contain the blast and the potential effect on surrounding areas, the company remains uncertain as to what caused the explosion. A mandatory evacuation order was put in place for residents who live within half a mile of the plant.
The plant produces butadiene and raffinate. Both are colorless gases. Butadiene is used to make synthetic rubber and plastics, while raffinate is the residual product left after a reforming process.
BREAKING: Explosion rocks Jefferson County
An explosion and fire is reported at a Jefferson County plant. pic.twitter.com/WXSlrwmaDZ
— KFDM News (@kfdmnews) November 27, 2019
There was too close for comfort. @KHOUSergioSoto started rolling just as there was a second explosion at the #TPCPlant in #PortNeches. pic.twitter.com/0uU4t59fXd
— David Gonzalez (@DavidGonzKHOU) November 27, 2019
Watch: TPC chemical plant explosion in Port Neches as seen from Twin City Highway.
(Video via William Castleman) pic.twitter.com/8nOsjXVeZW
— Monique Batson (@Mo_Bats) November 27, 2019
WAIT FOR IT: This video shows the intensity of the chemical plant explosion this morning in southeast Texas. The fire from the TPC plant explosion is still burning, and plumes of smoke can be seen from miles away. // video courtesy of Michael Buell pic.twitter.com/4Z4PDNNkRS
— Hanna Battah (@HannaBattahFox4) November 27, 2019
Here’s the moment another explosion happened at the TPC plant in Port Neches. @12NewsNow pic.twitter.com/VlVtmS79JH
— Makensie Hinkle (@MakensieTVNews) November 27, 2019
